Guild Wars 2

Sorry for being a bit vague, I guess I wasn’t really sure what I was asking, either. Basically I unlocked Chronomancer, played with it, found it super difficult to use effectively, and became discouraged to the point of wanting to scrap my main and switch to a somewhat less convoluted class. So, I was looking for any input people had, really – about how to handle the complexity of it, or if it’s even worth doing. The first response’s pointing out that maintaining alacrity/quickness uptime isn’t so vitally important in solo PvE is a good example of such input – it helps me simplify my approach and maybe get to a point where the class makes sense to me again.

I didn’t specify a certain game mode because I’m the sort to play all modes on one character exclusively, rather than maintaining alts. I do exclude PvP, though, as that’s not my interest.

To put things another way, I’m asking “Chronomancer seems absurdly difficult to reach base competency with – should I stick with it or do something else; any tips for learning it?” Or something like that. I’ve gotten the impression from general internet chatter that many think Mesmer in general is just a weaker alternative to other classes, unless you really nail all the fancy new mechanics.

Hm, yeah, that’s probably the source of a lot of my confusion – that the expectations are so different between open PvE and organized instanced stuff (you say raids, but I’m guessing it also applies a bit to fractals or dungeon bosses). Honestly I’ve always despised having to change up my build between modes though, since I always have to re-read my traits and reconstruct it from scratch each time. _

I guess I could probably get it to a point where I can understand it better if quickness/alacrity aren’t as important out of instanced content, though then I’m wondering whether it’s worth even being a Chronomancer at all, if all I’m using it for is running around in open world. It does have the speed bonus and some AoE damage though, so it isn’t a total loss. XD

I bought HoT this last week, and have been trying to adjust to the new Chronomancer specialization on my mesmer, which is also my main.

On paper, I basically understand that the idea is to spam a great number of shatters, wells (doubled up with continuum split), and such shenanigans to trigger quickness and alacrity on yourself and your team. Traits encourage getting free illusions, buffing your shatters, etc.

Honestly though, I’m having difficulty managing to be effective in practice. The new areas seem to emphasize larger quantities of weaker enemies, and my illusions tend to die before I have time to reach for the F1 or F5 key. Similarly, I can’t seem to maintain quickness or alacrity more than 1/3 of the time, and that amount dwindles while I try to find my next target to attack. I’m loving the shield skills, the passive speed boost, and the eventual prospect of Gravity Well (never liked Time Warp), but actually playing the class without a solid, stationary target to work off of is making me feel like I’m always running at a fraction of the class’ actual capabilities.

For reference, until now I’ve been playing a berserker mantra build, and tended to just spam greatsword/sword attacks without paying any attention to shatters. With Chronomancer though, it’s just too clear that I’m supposed to be doing a bit more. I’m actually starting to consider changing to another class, but I’ve got full ascended gear and am a bit overly invested, so it’s a tough choice. On the other hand, if I list off the things I like about mesmer now (passive speed boost, survivable with damage mitigation and ranged weapon, pretty aesthetically), then it seems like there might be others that do the same stuff a little easier.

Sorry for the rambling, TLDR: Thoughts on getting used to Chronomancer? Anyone else had trouble? Think I should stick it out?

Yes, that was very helpful, thank you for the in-depth response. I’ll take this insight into consideration when the time comes to rebuild my character.

I don’t have HoT yet, but when I get it I plan to take Chronomancer on my Mesmer; it just has too many fun tools to pass up on. That said, my existing build gets a lot of use from all 3 of its current specializations, and I’ve been having trouble deciding exactly what to get rid of when the time comes.

http://gw2skills.net/editor/?vhAQNAscRl0nhS0YRawMNQtGLpGU5HORBIHwBCA6XWz2B-TBBXgAh6beUC2r+DgyPA-e

My goal is primarily to deal damage, using blocks, distortion, dodges, and a rather nice healing skill to stay alive. Dueling is clearly a must-have, especially since I also use Mantras, so ultimately the question boils down to whether Domination or Illusions contributes more. Since utility is scarce, it may even just be a question of which adds more DPS.

As a bonus question, do you think there would be any merit to wielding a Shield on this kind of build?

I just switched to Centaur runes yesterday, and I’m never looking back!

More strength than my old Ruby Orbs, 100% swiftness uptime with a healing Mantra, and cheap as dirt to boot (less than half a gold for a set of 7). It feels like these particular runes are tailor made for me and my mantra build. Happy times.

9/10 for “Dashea”, it sounds appropriate without being cheesy.

Mine is named Ruaun (pronounced roo-AHN), named after the Ru’Aun Gardens, a magical sky temple/garden from a certain other MMO. Seemed appropriately planty, and the name felt sylvari-ish to me, or as much as I could make it without a clear lore style guide. XD

Here’s my mesmer and main, a humble sylvari jeweler with a penchant for collecting decorative swords. If you got to know them, you wouldn’t expect them to be a mesmer, at all… rumor has it, they used to be a warrior or guardian, but made a change of professions just for the sake of wearing nicer clothes, and never looked back. You could say they need to get their priorities straight… to which they would respond that they couldn’t be straighter.

My sylvari mesmer just got a new outfit, so I may as well post a pic. I think it’s kinda cute, myself. Honor of the Waves chest, student legs, and Caudecus Manor feet.

I just finished putting together my current outfit, so I’ll throw in my own entry for the fun of it. I suspect I may have somewhat unique tastes, but here you go! Ruaun, the Sylvari Mesmer: